best way to center steering wheel

[tobaccogrower]

my steering box was replaced on my 93 right before i bought the truck. the problem is the steering wheel is 90* off! the horn bar is straight up and down and blocks my view of my speedo and other dash guages. how can i straighten this out easily? it's a brand new steering box and lines. thanks... james

 

[WJones]

4wd or 2wd?

 

[AKimmel]

Take the steering wheel off and put it back on where you want it.

 

[Makaio]

James,



Like AKimmel said, simply take it off and re-center it. Be careful of the horn wires not binding and don't take out the turn signal return switch. It's a black disc looking plastic piece with a moving center. If it's not properly aligned, your turn signal won't shut off after a turn. There are no master splines in the steering hub. Have someone help you hold the wheel when you try to break the nut as it's on pretty tight and forcing it against the steering wheel lock could cause damage. The same holds true for when you tighten it back on.



Aloha,

Matt

 

[tobaccogrower]

do i need a wheel puller to ger it off? or is it simple as take off the bolt, re-allign and torque down the nut? it's a w2504x4

 

[RDHamill]

before you remove the wheel, you might turn the wheel from lock to lock and count the number of rotations. Then divide that number in 2 . Turn the wheel from one side ( say all the way to the left) to the right , the exact number you got when did the dividing. Now your steering gear is centered. If the steering wheel is not straight, you'll need to remove and center it or you might check to see if the steering shaft is installed 90 degress off at either the steering gear end or the firewall end. ( if it's possible to be off on your truck)

Then you'll have the wheel centered in relation to the steering gear. When you drive the truck you'll see if the steering gear is centered with relationship to the front end alignment. You might need to adjust the front end to bring things to straight. You can do this by adjusting the drag link that goes from the steering gear to the wheel. ( do not adjust the tie rod that goes from one wheel to the other or you'll mess up the alignment) When you're all done, you might consider a front end alignment.

good luck

 

[Bob4x4]

before you remove the wheel, you might turn the wheel from lock to lock and count the number of rotations. Then divide that number in 2 . Turn the wheel from one side ( say all the way to the left) to the right , the exact number you got when did the dividing. Now your steering gear is centered. If the steering wheel is not straight, you'll need to remove and center it or you might check to see if the steering shaft is installed 90 degress off at either the steering gear end or the firewall end. ( if it's possible to be off on your truck)

Then you'll have the wheel centered in relation to the steering gear. When you drive the truck you'll see if the steering gear is centered with relationship to the front end alignment. You might need to adjust the front end to bring things to straight. You can do this by adjusting the drag link that goes from the steering gear to the wheel. ( do not adjust the tie rod that goes from one wheel to the other or you'll mess up the alignment) When you're all done, you might consider a front end alignment.

good luck

As I recall the 4x4's can only be centered at the steering wheel,the shaft is not master splined.

 

[Makaio]

do i need a wheel puller to ger it off? or is it simple as take off the bolt, re-allign and torque down the nut? it's a w2504x4

Yes, you'll need a puller. Sorry to have missed that.

 

[AKimmel]

A good way to mark the center of your wheel is to take a small piece of tape and stick it on the top center of the wheel while your driving. When you get ready to take the wheel off, make sure the mark is at the top center. Remove the wheel and put it back on straight like you want it. It's best to use an impact on the steering shaft nut when removing/installing instead of a ratchet, it makes it a lot easier.

 

[Ctdchris]

A good way to mark the center of your wheel is to take a small piece of tape and stick it on the top center of the wheel while your driving. When you get ready to take the wheel off, make sure the mark is at the top center. Remove the wheel and put it back on straight like you want it. It's best to use an impact on the steering shaft nut when removing/installing instead of a ratchet, it makes it a lot easier.

Or you can use my method for centering it and drive up and down your road with your steering wheel off. Just keep jumping splines til its straight when you drive!



As if my neighbors didn't' think i was crazy enough... I think that day confirmed it for them.



Chris

 

[DEdds]

I have lifted several old first gens and when the steering wheel is off by 90 degrees or less I usually found the problem was thas the drag link wasn't long enough to accomidate the lift. call rocky mountain suspension and ask them about thier heavy duty adjustable drag-link by skyjacker. the drag link will alow you to center the steering wheel with the adjustment in the drag link. Its a good upgrade especially considering the stock drag links don't tolerate lift if you plan on flexing on the farm.

#ad

 

[WJones]

think id go for the adjustable draglink, or if your running at least 4" of lift go for a crossover setup from offroad designs.

 

[Ctdchris]

If you can manage to fit a crossover type steering do so. Its so superior to the stock bumbsteer setup its not even funny.



Chris